Chapter 6
CHAPTER SIX
DAVE
“Hi, baby. You look so pretty.”
As Matt takes her hand, Ellie smiles up at her Prince Charming, a sweet blush staining her freckled cheeks. “I love you.”
Matt leans in for a kiss, but before their lips meet, the Battalion Chief clears his throat like a human foghorn, reminding the happy couple they aren’t alone.
The crowd erupts in laughter as the groom jumps back to his place in an overdramatic fashion.
I can’t help but toss my head back in hysterics.
My friend’s unbridled love for her can’t be tamed by mere pomp and circumstance.
Thankfully, the day hasn’t been nearly as difficult as I anticipated.
It’s not like they made this complicated for their guests.
We didn’t have to go beyond our own hometown.
And why would we? Sycamore Mountain is the perfect location for an outdoor wedding.
The crisp white chairs and black iron arbor decorated in wildflowers amongst the breathtaking natural scenery is flawless.
I can’t imagine a more romantic atmosphere.
The girls have kept the decorations to a minimum.
There’s no over the top gauzy shit blowing in the wind.
Nothing sparkles. Every element of the day has been chosen to blend seamlessly into the natural environment.
Tuesday, our town boutique florist, even chose flowers that would coordinate with the time of year as well as the mountain backdrop.
From what I’ve been able to gather, it seems as if each bride picked out her own bouquet.
Each has seemed to match their personalities.
While they have a tent erected for the reception, the couples knew it had to serve as a backup plan for the ceremonies as well, if the weather didn’t cooperate.
But the gods of Sycamore Mountain have shown favorably on my friends.
The sky’s a clear wash of blue. And a lazy breeze has kept me from melting in this suit.
I’m not sure what possessed me to wear black.
Just grabbed my favorite and went with it.
Hell, it’s not like I get to wear a lot of Tom Ford around these parts.
Each couple’s ceremony has moved along swiftly, this one included.
The Chief recites Matt and Ellie’s vows one last time, and it feels like déjà vu.
At least we’ve had the opportunity to get up, move about, and grab a cocktail between each one.
I think the girls all made the bartenders swear under oath they wouldn’t let anyone get too ripped before the reception started.
But then again, even a fuckwaffle like that rookie, Brecken, wouldn’t risk the wrath of his firefighter brothers by getting hammered during their wedding ceremony.
While I’d been dreading this combined four-couple wedding, it made sense, in theory.
To save money and resources, given all of the couples were friends living in the same small town, they each had their own ceremony but gathered together at the end for one combined reception.
Particularly since they were the town’s caterer, florist, and baker.
Only Jason’s new wife, Quinn, works outside of Sycamore.
Yet, for a bachelor, one wedding is a bear to sit through. Four of them? Hell on a cracker. That’s a lot for any man to endure.
Quite honestly, seeing my burly, tatted firefighter brothers all so ecstatic to marry the loves of their lives has been heartwarming. I have to admit, I’m a little jealous. Not enough to actually consider entering into a committed relationship with a woman. But envious of their joy all the same.
After exchanging rings, Chief Robertson clears his throat. Matt and Ellie’s eyes flick over to him. You can hear a pin drop as the entire place grows still in quiet anticipation. “Now, you can kiss your bride.”
The guests all guffaw and clap good-naturedly as Matt pulls his new wife against him and kisses Ellie with such reverence, there’s no doubt they were made for one another.
However, as they turn to face us, the crowd parts.
My eyes are drawn to someone else entirely.
As if magnetized, my gaze is transfixed on a flash of auburn in the front row.
I freeze. My applause slows, but my heartbeat doesn’t. How had I not caught sight of her before?
Her smile is practically majestic as she gazes at the bride and groom. Is it her friends she’s so enthralled by? Or the act of holy matrimony?
Hell. The latter should have me retreating quickly.
But even in profile, this redheaded stunner has me mesmerized.
The soft curve of her cheeks, her full lips, and that gorgeous, ginger hair that begs to be touched.
Instead of reveling in the fact that each of the ceremonies is finally over and the party can now commence, I’ve only got one thought running through my mind.
Who’s that girl?